Dynamic progressive awareness

ABSTRACT

Behavior of an industrial system is communicated to an operator through graphical representations of gauges having a scale and pointer that represent parameters of the system. The pointer is positioned relative to the scale to indicate the parameter value. In various embodiments, when the parameter value is within operating limits, a first range is displayed that corresponds to the operating limits. When the parameter value has gone outside of the operating limits, the displayed range is changed, in some embodiments, to a second range that goes beyond the operating limits. A local visual indicator is also displayed, in particular embodiments, when the parameter value has gone outside of the operating limits. In a number of embodiments, such a tool can help to make the operator better aware of abnormal parameters of the system for early detection and correction of problematic operating conditions.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of, and claimspriority to, International Patent Application Serial NumberPCT/US17/33738, filed on May 22, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/340,210, filed on May 23,2016, and has the same title, inventors, and assignee. The contents ofthese priority patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of this invention relate to human machine interface(HMI) technology. Particular embodiments concern methods and softwarethat communicate potentially abnormal behavior of an industrial systemto an operator of the system. Certain embodiments concern selection andcontrol of displayed ranges of graphical representations (e.g., ofgauges) representing different parameters of the industrial system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In normal operation of an HMI technology, operators are consistentlylooking for any abnormal behavior or variable in the process. In manycomplex industrial processes, however, this is a very time-consumingtask and is almost an impossibility without the aid from a tool toenable early detection in normal operations. Operators will typicallyscan the many numerical values on their screen(s) to get an idea of whatis going on or perhaps what is about to happen in their process. In manycases, however, there are just too many variables to really make anassessment.

In the past, operators watched a number of gauges on one or more controlboards that displayed real-time values of various parameters of theindustrial system. Control panels have also been used with alarm lightsthat illuminated when alarm levels were reached. In some instances,colored lights were used to indicate alarm conditions. More recently,one or more computer screens have been used to display real-time valuesof parameters to operators. Various graphics have been used to displayinformation on computer screens, including visual representations ofgauges. Such gauges have included a scale and a pointer. Trade-offs haveexisted, however, regarding the displayed range to use for the scale. Ifa wide range was used, operators found it difficult to see small changeswithin the operating limits. If a narrow range was used, however, thescale would not show the real-time value when the real-time value wasoutside of the narrow range. Needs and/or potential for benefit existfor computer tools that communicate information about the operation ofindustrial systems to the operator more efficiently. Room forimprovement exists over the prior art in these and other areas that maybe apparent to a person of skill in the art having studied thisdocument.

Summary of Particular Embodiments of the Invention

This invention provides, among other things, computerized methods ofcommunicating behavior of an industrial system to an operator of thesystem. Various embodiments communicate, for example, potentiallyabnormal behavior of the system to the operator. Other embodimentsinclude computer systems, computer programs, and computer-readablestorage media that contain computer-readable instructions thatcommunicate similar information. Many embodiments provide, as objects orbenefits, computer tools that, in whole or in part, communicateinformation about the operation of industrial systems to the operatormore efficiently. Certain embodiments display to the operator of thesystem graphical representations (e.g., of gauges) representingdifferent parameters of the industrial system. Many embodiments changethe displayed range of the parameter when the parameter value has goneoutside of operating limits. Various embodiments also display a localvisual indicator, for instance, that attracts the operator's attentionto a parameter that gone outside of operating limits.

For example, specific computerized methods of communicating behavior ofan industrial system to an operator of the system include acts of (e.g.,using a computer, simultaneously, or both) displaying to the operator ofthe industrial system multiple graphical representations (e.g., ofgauges) representing multiple different parameters of the industrialsystem. In many embodiments, each of the multiple different parametersis a quantitative parameter, each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges represents a parameter value, each of themultiple graphical representations of the gauges comprises a scalerepresenting a displayed range of the (e.g., quantitative) parameter,each of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges comprises apointer (e.g., proximate the scale), or a combination thereof. Further,in various embodiments, (e.g., for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges) an act is performed of positioning thepointer (e.g., relative to the scale) to indicate the parameter value.In a number of such embodiments, (e.g., for each of the multiplegraphical representations of the gauges) when the parameter value iswithin operating limits of the parameter, the displayed range of theparameter is a first range that corresponds to the operating limits.Still further, some such embodiments include (e.g., using the computer),for instance, for each of the multiple graphical representations of thegauges, changing the displayed range of the (e.g., quantitative)parameter from the first range to a second range that goes beyond theoperating limits when the parameter value has gone outside of theoperating limits. Even further, various embodiments include displayingto the operator of the industrial system a first local visual indicator,for example, when the parameter value has gone outside of the operatinglimits.

In some embodiments, the displaying to the operator of the industrialsystem the first local visual indicator includes changing a color, forexample, of the scale. In addition, or instead, in some embodiments, thedisplaying to the operator of the industrial system the first localvisual indicator includes adding a visual element, for example, to thescale. Further, in particular embodiments, the visual element is anoutline, for instance, of the scale. Still further, in certainembodiments, the outline forms a border, for example, around one end ofthe scale. Still further, in some embodiments, the visual element islocated at a first end of the scale when the parameter value exceeds theoperating limits and the visual element is located at a second end ofthe scale when the parameter value is below the operating limits. Evenfurther, in some embodiments, the second range has a first end and asecond end, the first end is one of the operating limits, and the secondend is an alarm value of the quantitative parameter, for example.

Moreover, some embodiments further include, (e.g., using the computer),for example, for a plurality of the multiple graphical representationsof the gauges, changing the displayed range of the quantitativeparameter from the second range to a third range that goes beyond thesecond range, for instance, when the parameter value has gone outside ofthe second range. In a number of such embodiments, for instance, thethird range has a first end and a second end, the first end is an alarmvalue of the quantitative parameter, the second end is a high high alarmvalue or a low low alarm value of the quantitative parameter, or both,as examples. Further, various embodiments include (e.g., using thecomputer), for instance, for a plurality of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges, displaying to the operator of theindustrial system a second local visual indicator, for example, when theparameter value has gone outside of the second range. Still further, insome embodiments, the displaying to the operator of the industrialsystem the second local visual indicator includes changing color, forexample, of the scale.

Furthermore, some embodiments include (e.g., using the computer), forinstance, for a plurality of the multiple graphical representations ofthe gauges, changing the displayed range of the quantitative parameterto a fourth range that goes beyond the third range, for example, whenthe parameter value is outside of the third range. In variousembodiments, for example, the fourth range goes beyond the third range.In some embodiments, for instance, the fourth range has a first end anda second end and the first end is a high high alarm value or a low lowalarm value of the quantitative parameter, as examples. Further still,in some embodiments (e.g., where the fourth range has a first end and asecond end), the second end is a limit of instrument range for thequantitative parameter. Even further, in certain embodiments, the methodfurther includes (e.g., using the computer), for instance, for aplurality of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges,displaying to the operator of the industrial system a third local visualindicator, for example, when the parameter value has gone outside of thethird range.

In various embodiments, the displaying to the operator of the industrialsystem the multiple graphical representations of gauges representingmultiple different parameters of the industrial system includesdisplaying the multiple graphical representations of gauges on acomputer screen. Further, in many embodiments, the multiple graphicalrepresentations of gauges are displayed over a schematic diagram of theindustrial system. Still further, various embodiments further includeacts of simultaneously measuring the multiple different parameters ofthe industrial system, transmitting the multiple different parameters ofthe industrial system to the computer (e.g., for displaying to theoperator of the system the multiple graphical representations of thegauges representing the multiple different parameters of the industrialsystem), correcting the potentially abnormal behavior of the industrialsystem, or a combination thereof.

Other embodiments include various other (e.g., computerized) methods ofcommunicating potentially abnormal behavior of an industrial system toan operator of the industrial system. In some embodiments, for example,the method includes an act of (e.g., using a computer) simultaneouslydisplaying to the operator of the industrial system multiple graphicalrepresentations representing multiple different parameters of theindustrial system. In many embodiments, for example, each of themultiple different parameters is a quantitative parameter, each of themultiple graphical representations represents a parameter value, each ofthe multiple graphical representations includes a range representationof a displayed range of the quantitative parameter, each of the multiplegraphical representations includes a pointer representation proximatethe range representation, or a combination thereof. Further, numerousembodiments include (e.g., using the computer), for instance, for eachof the multiple graphical representations, positioning the pointerrepresentation relative to the range representation, for example, toindicate the parameter value. Still further, in many embodiments, (e.g.,for each of the multiple graphical representations), when the parametervalue is within operating limits, the displayed range of thequantitative parameter is a first range that corresponds to theoperating limits. Even further, a number of embodiments include (e.g.,using the computer), for example, for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations, changing the displayed range of the quantitativeparameter from the first range to a second range that goes beyond theoperating limits, for instance, when the parameter value has goneoutside of the operating limits. Even further still, some suchembodiments include (e.g., using the computer), for instance, for eachof the multiple graphical representations, displaying to the operator ofthe industrial system a first local visual indicator, for example, whenthe parameter value has gone outside of the operating limits.

Other specific embodiments include various computer systems, forexample, that include computer-readable instructions which, whenexecuted by the computer system, cause the computer system to performcertain acts. Such acts include, in some embodiments, for example,simultaneously display to an operator of an industrial system multiplegraphical representations of gauges representing multiple differentparameters of the industrial system. In a number of embodiments, forexample, each of the multiple graphical representations of the gaugesrepresents a parameter value, each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges includes a scale representing a displayedrange of the parameter, each of the multiple graphical representationsof the gauges includes a pointer proximate the scale, or a combinationthereof. In various embodiments, the instructions cause the computersystem to, for example, for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges, position the pointer relative to thescale, for instance to indicate the parameter value. Further, in manyembodiments, for example, for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges, when the parameter value is withinoperating limits, the displayed range of the parameter is a first rangethat corresponds to the operating limits. Still further, in variousembodiments, for instance, for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges, the instructions cause the computersystem to change the displayed range of the parameter from the firstrange to a second range that goes beyond the operating limits, forexample, when the parameter value has gone outside of the operatinglimits. In many embodiments, (e.g., for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges), the instructions cause the computersystem to display to the operator of the industrial system a first localvisual indicator when the parameter value has gone outside of theoperating limits.

Further, computer systems, computer programs, and computer-readablestorage media can contain computer-readable instructions that, whenexecuted by the computer, cause the computer to perform such or similaracts to the methods described herein. In addition, various otherembodiments of the invention are also described herein, and otherbenefits of certain embodiments may be apparent to a person of skill inthis area of technology. Various embodiments provide, for example, as anobject or benefit, that they partially or fully address or satisfy oneor more of the needs, potential areas for benefit, or opportunities forimprovement described herein, or known in the art, as examples. Certainembodiments provide, for example, as objects or benefits, for instance,that they improve the awareness of operators of industrial systems of(e.g., real-time) values of various (e.g., quantitative) parameters ofthe industrial system, for example, relative to operating limits, alarmsettings, or both.

Different embodiments simplify the evaluation of operating conditions,reduce operator time necessary to evaluate real-time parameters,increase communication efficiency from the industrial system to theoperator, or a combination thereof, as examples. In certain embodiments,trade-offs are reduced or eliminated regarding the displayed range ongraphical representations (e.g., of gauges). Particular embodimentsallow operators to see small changes within the operating limits, whilestill allowing operators to see the parameter values (e.g., on thegauges) when the values are outside of the operating limits. Inaddition, in many embodiments, the attention of operators is drawn toparameters that are outside of operating limits or outside of alarmsettings, which can help operators to focus their attention on the mostimportant priorities. In many embodiments, computer tools are providedthat communicate information about the operation of industrial systemsto the operator more efficiently. Further, various embodiments includeor provide for correcting potentially abnormal behavior of theindustrial system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a display (e.g., to an operator of an industrialsystem) of graphical representations of gauges representing one or moredifferent parameters of the industrial system and illustrating highlimits of the one or more different parameters;

FIG. 2 is an example of a display (e.g., to an operator of an industrialsystem) of graphical representations of gauges representing one or moredifferent parameters of the industrial system and illustrating lowlimits of the one or more different parameters;

FIG. 3 is an example of a display (e.g., to an operator of an industrialsystem) of graphical representations of gauges representing one or moredifferent parameters of the industrial system, wherein the graphicalrepresentations of gauges are displayed horizontally, and illustrating aparameter is approaching a low alarm;

FIG. 4 is an example of a display (e.g., to an operator of an industrialsystem) of graphical representations of gauges representing one or moredifferent parameters of the industrial system, wherein the graphicalrepresentations of gauges are displayed horizontally, and illustrating aparameter is approaching a high alarm;

FIG. 5 is an example of a display (e.g., to an operator of an industrialsystem) of a graphical representation of a gauges representing one ormore different parameters of the industrial system, wherein thegraphical representation of the gauge is displayed vertically, andillustrating an example of operating limits and alarm values;

FIG. 6 is an example of a display (e.g., to an operator of an industrialsystem) of graphical representations of gauges representing one or moredifferent parameters of the industrial system illustrating variousvalues of the one or more different parameters relative to variousoperating and alarm values or settings; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a (e.g., computerized)method of communicating potentially abnormal behavior of an industrialsystem to an operator of the system.

The drawings provided herewith illustrate, among other things, examplesof certain aspects of particular embodiments. Other embodiments maydiffer. Various embodiments may include aspects shown in the drawings,described in the specification (including the claims), known in the art,or a combination thereof, as examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

This patent application describes, among other things, examples ofcertain embodiments, and certain aspects thereof. Other embodiments maydiffer from the examples described in detail herein. Various embodimentsare or concern HMI technology, software, for instance, that communicatesbehavior of an industrial system to an operator of the system, andmethods associated therewith. Various embodiments include computerizedsystems and methods of, and computer software for, communicatingbehavior of an industrial system to an operator of the system. FIGS. 1-6illustrate examples of graphical representations of gauges, for example,representing different parameters of an industrial system. FIG. 7illustrates method 70, which is an example of a method of communicating(e.g., potentially abnormal) behavior of an industrial system, forinstance, to an operator of the industrial system. FIG. 5 illustrates anexample of relative operating limits (e.g., 40.0 and 60.0) and alarmvalues (e.g., 80.0 for high, 90.0 for high high, 20.0 for low, and 10.0for low low). FIG. 6 includes a similar illustration in the upper leftcorner.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate examples of graphical representations or graphicalrepresentations of gauges, for instance, having different displayedranges. Different gauges shown in one or more figures that have the sameorientation can be the same gauge or same parameter at different (e.g.,real-time) values of the parameter, for example, for example, measured(e.g., in act 72 of FIG. 7) at different times. In some of theembodiments illustrated, the scale of the gauge is gray when theparameter value is within the operating limits, white when the value isoutside the operating limits but within the first alarm limits, yellowor purple when the parameter value is outside the first alarm limits butwithin the second (e.g., high high and low low) alarm limits, red whenthe value of the parameter is outside the second (e.g., high high andlow low) alarm limits, or a combination thereof, as examples.

In the right-most column in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second to right-mostcolumn in FIG. 6 (i.e., gauges 15, 24, 605, and 612) that show verticalgauges or scales, there are no alarm settings (e.g., input in act 71 ofmethod 70) and the scale (e.g., 17 for gauges 15 and 24) is white whenthe parameter value is outside the operating limits. In FIG. 6, that hasnumbers (e.g., range limits of parameter values, for instance, 40.0 and60.0 for gauge 601) next to the scale, these numbers are not necessarilyshown in all embodiments, but are included on FIG. 6 for illustrationpurposes (e.g., to show the current range for that gauge). In someembodiments, the operator may have the option to display or not displaythe (e.g., real time) parameter values numerically, which areillustrated being displayed by the larger font numbers below and abovethe scales in the top and bottom rows respectively for gauges 602-605and 609-612 in FIG. 6. Gauges 606, 607, 613, and 614 in FIG. 6illustrate (e.g., visual representations of) examples of horizontalgauges or scales. FIGS. 3 and 4 show further horizontal gauge examples.All gauges illustrated are examples, however, and other embodiments maydiffer.

In various embodiments, operating limits, alarm limits (e.g., highalarm, low alarm, high high alarm, low low alarm, etc., or a combinationthereof), gauge or sensor limits, or a combination thereof, are shown asdigital or numerical values (e.g., as a number), for instance, on oradjacent to the scale or indicia. The top and bottom rows of FIG. 6illustrate examples. In the left gauge in the top row, for example, 60.0and 40.0 are the operating limits and in the second to left gauge, 60.0is the upper operating limit and 80.0 is the high alarm limit. In thecenter gauge, 90.0 is the high high alarm limit and 80.0 is the highalarm limit. In the gauge that is the second from the right, 100.0 isthe gauge limit and 90.0 is the high high alarm. In the far right gaugein the top row of FIG. 6, 100.0 is the gauge limit and 60.0 is highoperating limit (e.g., in an embodiment that does not include alarmsettings or limits). In some embodiments, such digital or numericalvalues are shown whereas in other embodiments, such digital or numericalvalues are not shown. In certain embodiments, for example, the operatormay be able to select whether such digital or numerical values areshown. Further, in some embodiments, such digital or numerical valuesare shown under some circumstances but not other circumstances. Invarious embodiments, such digital or numerical values change, forexample, when the range changes (e.g., from a first range to a secondrange, from the second range to a third range, from the third range to afourth range, vice versa, or a combination thereof, as examples).

In particular embodiments, for example, no such digital or numericalvalues are displayed when the parameter value is within the operatinglimits, but one or more such digital or numerical values are displayedwhen the parameter value is outside the operating limits. Further, insome embodiments, these digital or numerical values, or the appearancethereof where no such digital or numerical value was previously shown,constitute or are part of a local visual indicator or visual element(e.g., as used herein) that attracts the attention of the operator tothe parameter value. In certain embodiments, for instance, an operatingrange limit is displayed as a digital or numerical value when theparameter value approaches, reaches, or passes that operating limit.Further, in particular embodiments, an alarm limit is displayed as adigital or numerical value when the parameter value approaches, reaches,or passes that alarm limit. Even further, in certain embodiments, asensor or gauge limit is displayed as a digital or numerical value whenthe parameter value approaches, reaches, or passes that sensor or gaugelimit. In various embodiments, such display of the digital or numericalvalue alerts the operator of the relevant operating limit, alarm limit,or gauge limit, for example, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, such a digital or numerical value appears when thedisplayed range (e.g., of the quantitative parameter) changes from thefirst range to the second range. Moreover, in particular embodiments,such a digital or numerical value changes (e.g., from an operating limitto an alarm limit or from an alarm limit to a gauge limit) when thedisplayed range (e.g., of the quantitative parameter) changes from thesecond range to the third range, from the third range to the fourthrange, etc., or a combination thereof. Further, in a number ofembodiments, the digital or numerical value changes back or is removedwhen the displayed range changes in the opposite direction (i.e., towardthe operating limits). Further still, in some embodiments, the (e.g.,real time) parameter value is displayed, for example, when the digitalor numerical value of the limit (e.g., operating limit, alarm limit,gauge limit, or a combination thereof) is displayed, for instance, sothe operator can easily compare the parameter value with the relevantlimit. Examples include PV in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Method 70, shown in FIG. 7, includes (e.g., using a computer) acts ofdisplaying (e.g., act 74 shown), for instance, to the operator of the(e.g., industrial) system, graphical representations of gauges (e.g.,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 41, 51, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605,606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, and 614 illustrated in FIGS.1-6), for example, representing different parameters of the industrialsystem. Various embodiments, including method 70, change (e.g., in act76) the displayed range, for instance, of the parameter, for example,when the (e.g., real-time) value of the parameter or parameter value hasgone outside of operating limits. FIG. 6, for example, illustratesdisplayed ranges. For gauge 601, for instance, the displayed range is40.0 to 60.0 (e.g., the operating limits), for gauge 602, the displayedrange is 60.0 to 80.0 (e.g., where 60.0 is the upper operating limit and80.0 is the high alarm), and for gauge 603, the displayed range is 80.0to 90.0 (e.g., where 80.0 is the high alarm and 90.0 is the high highalarm).

Further, many embodiments, including method 70, display (e.g., in act77) a (e.g., local, visual, or both) indicator (e.g., 18 or 19 in FIG.1), for example, that attracts the operator's attention to a parameterthat has gone outside of operating limits. Various embodiments are orprovide a tool (e.g., method 70) that can let the operator know where tolook for some potential deviations, for instance, in the industrialprocess. In many embodiments, the “dynamic progressive awareness” tool(e.g., method 70) gives the operator the ability to scan a much largeramount of data (e.g., number of parameters) and (e.g., easily orquickly) identify variables or values that have moved from normaloperating limits. In many embodiments, such a tool can efficientlycommunicate to the operator both normal and abnormal values of variousparameters of the industrial system and help the operator to distinguishtherebetween.

In a number of embodiments, operating limits (e.g., input in act 71)define narrow bands that have been identified as desirable or optimalbands for operation for different parameters, for instance, of theindustrial system. In various embodiments, the operating limits aredetermined based on safety aspects, product specifications,environmental conditions, economic considerations, efficiencies, or acombination thereof, as examples. In many embodiments, the operatinglimits define a narrow operating range within a wider alarm range. See,for example, FIG. 5. In the prior art, in normal operations, theoperator would scan HMI screens and search for abnormal variables, amongother things. In the prior art, however, precise (e.g., real-time)values within operating limits were difficult to read accurately orprecise values were not readily available for parameters that wereoutside of operating limits, among other issues.

Further, many specific embodiments include computerized methods, forexample, of communicating potentially abnormal behavior of an industrialsystem to an operator of the system. Method 70 is an example. Stillfurther, in many embodiments, such a method (e.g., 70) includes an actof (e.g., using a computer) simultaneously displaying (e.g., in act 74),for example, to the operator of the system values of multiple differentparameters of the system, for instance, wherein each of the values is areal-time value, each of the multiple different parameters is aquantitative parameter, or both. Further still, where multiple differentparameters are described herein, in some embodiments, there may be(e.g., at least) a particular number of parameters, for example, atleast 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 40, 50, 60, 70,80, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, or more differentparameters. In various embodiments, there can be 20-30, 30-50, 50-75, or50-100 variables or parameters, for example, or more (e.g., displayed inact 74). In some embodiments, for example, a single operator can watchas many as 12 different monitors or screens, for instance, eachdisplaying 30-50 parameters, for example. In different embodiments, asingle operator can watch 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 18, or 20 different monitors or screens, as examples. In someembodiments, an image is projected, for example, onto a wall orprojection screen for observation by the operator. In many embodiments,the variables, system values, parameter values, or parameters arephysical measurements (e.g., measured parameters), such as pressures,flow rates, temperature, levels (e.g., in tanks), density,concentration, etc. Moreover, as used herein, a real-time value is notnecessarily instantaneous, but rather, there may be some lag time thatpasses between a measurement being taken (e.g., in act 72) and the valuebeing displayed (e.g., in acts 74 and 75). As used herein, unless statedotherwise, a real-time value is the most recent value available or is nomore than 10 minutes old. In other embodiments, however, real-timevalues may be no more than 30, 20, 15, 12, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ½, ¼,⅙, 1/10, 1/30, or 1/60 minutes old, as examples. Furthermore, in certainembodiments, parameter values are, or can be, historical values, forexample, measured or obtained at a particular time in the past. In anumber of embodiments, for example, different historical values wereobtained at the same time or within a certain range of times. Such arange of times can be, for example, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45,or 60 minutes (e.g., ago), as examples. In some embodiments, however,parameter values (e.g., measured in act 72) are from different points intime (e.g., some historical and some real-time, or some or all beinghistorical values but from different times in the past).

Even further, various embodiments (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 1-7) maybe used with different industrial processes. Examples include chemicalprocesses, refining (e.g., oil refining), paper making, mining, etc.Some embodiments are limited to particular industrial processes, whileother embodiments are applicable to multiple industrial processes.Moreover, various embodiments use (e.g., are run on or implemented by)one or more general purpose computers that include components, systems,and software that are known in the art (e.g., HMI technology). Further,various embodiments are displayed on known or general purpose computerdisplay screens. Selection of appropriate computer hardware, softwareapplications, computer peripherals, computer-readable storage media,etc., is within the skill of a person of ordinary skill in the art.Still further, some embodiments are implemented, in whole or in part, onone or more special purpose computers. Even further, variousembodiments, are implemented by software, by hardware, or a combinationthereof, as examples. Further still, some embodiments are implemented,in whole or in part, using one or more application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), as another example. Even further still, variousembodiments use one or more computer networks. Different embodiments,for example, use a local area network (LAN) a wide area network (WAN),the Internet, or a combination thereof, as examples. In addition, asused herein, “adjacent” unless stated otherwise, when referring todisplaying on a computer screen, means within five percent of an overalldimension of the screen. In some embodiments, an alert indicator, orlocal visual indicator, for example, can be within 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,9, or 10 percent of an overall dimension of the screen, for instance, ofthe gauge, scale, or real-time value.

In some embodiments, a parameter value (e.g., a real-time value) isdisplayed (e.g., in act 74, 75, 76, or 77) as a number, for example, inaddition to or instead of being displayed in another manner (e.g., as areading on graphical representation of a gauge, for instance, in acts 74and 75). For example, FIG. 1 shows parameter values being displayed asthe numbers 70.0, 89.0, 99.5, and 70.0 for gauges 12, 13, 14, and 15respectively. FIGS. 2-4 and 6 are similar in this regard. In particularembodiments, for example, the real-time value is displayed numericallybelow a corresponding graphical representation of a gauge (e.g.,displayed in act 75), for instance, in FIG. 1 and the top row of FIG. 6.In contrast, in some embodiments, or under certain circumstances, thereal-time value is displayed numerically above a corresponding graphicalrepresentation of a gauge (e.g., displayed in act 75), for instance, inFIG. 2 and the bottom row of FIG. 6. In particular embodiments, wherethe value is numerically displayed depends on whether the value is aboveor below the normally operating limits (e.g., as shown). In variousembodiments, the parameter value is displayed as a gauge reading orgraphically (e.g., in acts 74 and 75), for instance, in FIGS. 1-6. Insome embodiments, the parameter value is displayed (e.g., only) as agauge (e.g., gauge 11, 601, or 608) when the parameter value is withinnormal limits (e.g., within the operating limit or limits), but isdisplayed as a number (e.g., in addition to or instead of beingdisplayed as a gauge) when the parameter value is outside of the normallimits or operating limits (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6), as otherexamples.

Moreover, in various embodiments, a particular parameter value isdisplayed in a manner that differentiates other parameter values whenthe particular parameter value is outside of the normal limits oroperating limits. Gauges 12-15, 21-24, 31, 41, 602-605, 607, 609-612,and 614 are examples. As other examples, in some embodiments, theparameter value is displayed in a different color, in bold, or in alarger font size, as examples, when the parameter value is outside ofthe normal limits or operating limits. Still further, in manyembodiments, each of the values or gauges is displayed over a schematicdiagram of the industrial system, for instance, to help the operatorunderstand the significance of each value or what the value representswithin the system. Even further, in some embodiments, each of the valuesis displayed with (a description or designation of the value, parameter,location, units of measurement, etc.

Various methods (e.g., of communicating potentially abnormal behavior ofan industrial system to an operator) can include various acts, which, indifferent embodiments, can be performed (e.g., using a computer) invarious orders. Examples of such orders are illustrated herein (e.g.,via method 70 or described herein). Further, in some embodiments,various acts are performed simultaneously. Other specific embodimentsinclude certain computer-readable media, certain computer programs, andcertain computer systems that include computer-readable instructionswhich, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to performcertain (e.g., similar) acts (e.g., some or all of the acts of method70). Still other embodiments include hardware that is specificallyconfigured (e.g., by software or other than by software) to performcertain (e.g., similar) acts.

In a number of embodiments, such acts include, for example, using acomputer, (e.g., simultaneously) displaying to the operator of theindustrial system multiple graphical representations (e.g., 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 41, 51, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607,608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, and 614 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6)representing multiple different parameters of the industrial system. Act74 shown in FIG. 7 is an example, but other embodiments may differ. Insome such embodiments, each of the multiple different parameters is aquantitative parameter, each of the multiple graphical representationsrepresents a real-time value, each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations includes a range representation (e.g., of a displayedrange of the parameter, for instance, 10.0 to 20.0 for gauge 610), eachof the multiple graphical representations includes a pointerrepresentation (e.g., 16 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6), for example,proximate the scale, each of the multiple graphical representationsrepresents a measured value, or a combination thereof. In variousembodiments, each of the multiple graphical representations of thegauges represents a parameter value (e.g., a real-time value or ahistorical value). Further, in some embodiments, such acts include(e.g., using the computer), for instance, for each of the multiplegraphical representations, positioning the pointer representation (e.g.,16, for instance, relative to the range representation or scale) toindicate the parameter value (e.g., real-time value) of the (e.g.,quantitative) parameter. In some such embodiments, for example, for eachof the multiple graphical representations, when the parameter value iswithin operating limits, the displayed range of the parameter is a firstrange that corresponds to the operating limits (e.g., gauges 11, 601,606, 608, and 613).

Still further, in many embodiments, acts include (e.g., using thecomputer), for instance, for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations, changing the displayed range of the parameter (e.g., inact 76 shown in FIG. 7) from the first range to a second range, forexample, that goes beyond the operating limits. Examples of a secondrange are shown for gauges 12, 15, 21, 24, 602, 605, 607, 609, 612, and614. In various embodiments, this act (e.g., 76) of changing thedisplayed range is performed when the parameter value (e.g., real-timevalue) of the (e.g., quantitative) parameter has gone outside of theoperating limits. Even further, in some embodiments, acts include (e.g.,using the computer), for instance, for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations, displaying (e.g., in act 77), for example, to theoperator of the industrial system a first local visual indicator (e.g.,18, 19, 38, or 48, in FIGS. 1-4) when the parameter value has goneoutside of the operating limits. In various such embodiments, themultiple graphical representations are representations of gauges, forexample, as shown. Moreover, in some embodiments the rangerepresentation is or includes a bar or scale (e.g., 17 in FIGS. 1 and2), for instance, represented by a rectangle. Furthermore, in particularembodiments, the pointer representation (e.g., 16) is specifically apointer, for example, an arrow or an arrow head (e.g., as shown), asexamples.

Certain embodiments include (e.g., simultaneously) displaying (e.g., inact 74), for instance, to an operator of an industrial system multiplegraphical representations of gauges (e.g., 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22,23, 24, 31, 41, 51, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610,611, 612, 613, and 614 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6) representing multipledifferent parameters of the industrial system, wherein: each of themultiple graphical representations of the gauges represents a parametervalue (e.g., real-time value), each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges includes a scale (e.g., 17) representing adisplayed range (e.g., shown in FIG. 6) of the parameter, and each ofthe multiple graphical representations of the gauges includes a pointer(e.g., 16), for example, proximate the scale. Further, some suchembodiments include (e.g., for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges) positioning the pointer (e.g., relativeto the scale, for instance, in act 75) to indicate the parameter value.In many embodiments, (e.g., for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges), when the value of the parameter iswithin operating limits, the displayed range of the parameter is a firstrange that corresponds to the operating limits (e.g., as illustrated forgauges 11, 601, 606, 608, and 613).

As used herein, a displayed range corresponding to operating limits(i.e., for that range, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, gauges 601, 606,608, and 613) means that the operating limits are at the ends of thegraphical representation of the gauge, to within 25 percent of thelength of the gauge. In some embodiments, however, the operating limitsare at the ends of the graphical representation of the gauge, to within30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2, or 1 percent of the length of the gauge, as otherexamples. Still further, various such embodiments include, (e.g., foreach of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges), changing(e.g., in act 76) the displayed range of the parameter from the firstrange to a second range (e.g., gauges 12, 15, 602, 605, 607, 609, 612,and 614) that goes beyond the operating limits when the parameter valuehas gone outside of the operating limits, displaying (e.g., in act 77)to the operator of the industrial system a first local visual indicatorwhen the (e.g., real-time) value of the parameter has gone outside ofthe operating limits, or both. In various such embodiments, each of themultiple different parameters is a quantitative parameter, for example.

Even further, in particular embodiments, a computer-readable medium,computer program, or computer system, includes computer-readableinstructions that, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to(e.g., simultaneously) display (e.g., in act 74) to an operator of anindustrial system multiple graphical representations of gauges (e.g.,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 41, 51, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605,606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, and 614 illustrated in FIGS.1-6) representing multiple different parameters of the industrialsystem, position (e.g., in act 75) the pointer (e.g., 16) relative tothe scale (e.g., 17) to indicate the value of the parameter, change(e.g., in act 76) the displayed range of the parameter from the firstrange to a second range that goes beyond the operating limits when theparameter value has gone outside of the operating limits, display (e.g.,in act 77) to the operator of the industrial system a first local visualindicator (e.g., 18, 19, 38, or 48) when the parameter value has goneoutside of the operating limits, or a combination thereof. In varioussuch embodiments, each of the multiple graphical representations of thegauges represents a real-time value, each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges includes a scale representing a displayedrange of the parameter, each of the multiple graphical representationsof the gauges includes a pointer (e.g., 16) proximate the scale, or acombination thereof. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate examples of graphicalrepresentations of the gauges. Further, in some such embodiments (e.g.,for each of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges), whenthe parameter value is within operating limits, the displayed range ofthe parameter is a first range that corresponds to the operating limits.Gauges 11, 601, 606, 608, and 613 are examples.

In some embodiments, the displaying to the operator of the industrialsystem the first local visual indicator (e.g., in act 77) includes(e.g., simultaneously) displaying (e.g., to the operator of the system)multiple first local visual indicators, for example, for a plurality ofthe multiple graphical representations of the gauges where the value ofthe parameter has gone outside of the operating limits. FIGS. 1, 2, and6 illustrate examples of multiple graphical representations of thegauges. In some embodiments, there can be a greater number of graphicalrepresentations of the gauges, for example, each displaying a differentparameter of the system. Further, in particular embodiments, thedisplaying to the operator (e.g., of the industrial system) the firstlocal visual indicator includes changing a color (e.g., proximate thescale), or specifically, in some embodiments, changing the color of thescale (e.g., 17 in FIGS. 1 and 2). As used herein, when referring to ascale, “proximate” means within a distance equal to the largest overalldimension of the scale. In some embodiments, however, the color can bewithin a distance equal to twice, half of, a quarter of, an eighth of,or a sixteenth of the largest overall dimension of the scale (e.g., 17),as other examples.

Still further, in some embodiments, the displaying (e.g., in act 77) tothe operator of the industrial system the first local visual indicatorincludes adding a visual element (e.g., 18, 19, 38, or 48 shown in FIGS.1-4) to the scale. In particular embodiments, for example, the visualelement is an outline of all or part of the scale. In the embodimentshown, for example, the visual element (e.g., 18, 19, 38, or 48) is anoutline of part of the scale (e.g., 17 or 37). Even further, in someembodiments, the outline circumscribes all or part of the scale, theoutline forms a border around all or part (e.g., one end) of the scale,or both. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example where visual elements 18, 19,38, and 48 outline, circumscribe, and form a border around part of thescale (e.g., 17 or 37). Further still, in certain embodiments, thevisual element is located at a first end of the scale (e.g., the top ofthe scale or the right end of the scale, for instance, as shown in FIGS.1 and 4 respectively and the top row of FIG. 6 and gauge 607) when the(e.g., real-time) value of the (e.g., quantitative) parameter exceedsthe operating limits (e.g., input in act 71). Even further, in someembodiments, the visual element is located at a second end of the scale(e.g., the bottom of the scale or the left end of the scale, forinstance, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the bottom row if FIG. 6 andgauge 614) when the value of the parameter is below the operatinglimits. In a number of embodiments, the location of the visual elementindicates (e.g., to the operator) whether the parameter value is aboveor below the operating limits (e.g., input in act 71). In someembodiments, for example, the visual element is a cap on (e.g., an endof) the scale, at the top of the scale (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), atthe bottom of the scale (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), or on one of thesides of the scale (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). In a number ofembodiments, when a parameter is approaching an alarm condition, theappropriate end of the gauge or scale is capped with that alarm color,for example. In particular embodiments, for instance, the visual elementincludes three elongated sections (e.g., 25, 27, and 29 shown for gauge21 in FIG. 2), for example, separated by two angles (e.g., 26 and 28).In certain embodiments, the two angles (e.g., 26 and 28) are rightangles, for example (e.g., as shown). Further, in various embodiments,the three elongated sections (e.g., 25, 27, and 29) are equal in width.Still further, in some embodiments, two (e.g., 25 and 29) of the threeelongated sections (e.g., 25, 27, and 29) are equal in length. Inparticular embodiments, for example, these two equal-length sections(e.g., 25 and 29) are parallel (e.g., as shown). In other embodiments,however, visual elements may differ.

Even further, in some embodiments, the color of the visual element(e.g., in addition to or instead of the location) indicates to theoperator whether the parameter value is above or below the operatinglimits. For instance, in particular embodiments, the visual element(e.g., 18, 19, 38, or 48) is yellow when the value of the parameter isabove the operating limits and the visual element is purple when theparameter value is below the operating limits. In certain embodiments,for example, these colors are displayed (e.g., in act 77) when or onlywhen the parameter value is within the alarm settings or within thesecond range. In some embodiments, for example, the color of the visualelement changes (e.g., in act 77) to red when (or only when) the (e.g.,real-time) value of the parameter is beyond the (e.g., first) alarmsettings or within the third range, for example. In some embodiments,the color of the visual element changes to red or remains red when thevalue of the parameter is beyond the (e.g., second) alarm settings orwithin the fourth range, for a further example. In other embodiments,different colors or color combinations are used. For example, in someembodiments, orange may be used instead of yellow or instead of red orone such color may indicate that the value of the parameter is above analarm setting and another such color (or other color) may indicate thatthe value of the parameter is below an alarm setting. For anotherexample, in some embodiments, magenta may be used (e.g., instead ofred). In different embodiments, different colors can be used. Allconceivable colors are contemplated, and all conceivable colorcombinations. In a number of embodiments, however, different colors thatare contrasting or easily distinguishable are used so the differentconditions relative to the operating limits or alarm limits are readilyapparent to the operator and easily noticeable. Examples are describedherein, but other embodiments may differ.

In many embodiments, the gauge (e.g., graphical representation thereof)or scale includes multiple indicia. Indicia 101 and 102 are identified,for example, on gauge 15 shown in FIG. 1, having scale 17. Other gaugesthat are shown are similar. In particular embodiments, for instance, themultiple indicia include multiple (e.g., evenly-spaced) lines (e.g., asshown). In certain embodiments, for example, the multiple lines includemultiple shorter lines (e.g., 102) and multiple longer lines (e.g.,101). Further, in various embodiments, the multiple evenly-spaced linesare parallel (e.g., as shown). Still further, in certain embodiments,the multiple indicia include multiple numerical values of the (e.g.,quantitative) parameter, for instance, within the displayed range. Evenfurther, in some embodiments, the pointer (e.g., 16, identified for afew of the gauges in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6) includes a triangle, forexample, an isosceles triangle (e.g., pointer 16). For instance, inparticular embodiments, the pointer consists exclusively of an isoscelestriangle (e.g., as shown). Even further still, in a number ofembodiments, the act of changing the displayed range of the parameterfrom the first range to a second range (e.g., act 76) includes movingthe pointer (e.g., 16), for example, relative to the scale (e.g., 17).

In various embodiments, the second range (e.g., changed to in act 76)has a first end (e.g., bottom end for gauge 602 shown in FIG. 6) and asecond end (e.g., top end for gauge 602) and the first end is one of theoperating limits, the second end is an alarm value of the (e.g.,quantitative) parameter, or both (e.g., as shown for gauge 602). As usedherein, an end of a range being an operating limit or an alarm valuemeans that the operating limit or alarm value is at the end of the range(e.g., of the graphical representation of the gauge), to within 25percent of the length of the range (e.g., gauge). In some embodiments,however, the operating limit or an alarm value is at the end of therange or graphical representation of the gauge, to within 30, 20, 15,10, 5, 2, or 1 percent of the length of the range or gauge, as otherexamples. In various embodiments, the operating limits, alarm values, orboth, are settings that are input, for example, in act 71.

Further, a number of embodiments include (e.g., using the computer), forinstance, for a plurality of the multiple graphical representations ofthe gauges, changing (e.g., in act 76) the displayed range of theparameter from the second range to a third range, for example, that goesbeyond the second range. In some embodiments, this change to the thirdrange is made, for example, when the value of the (e.g., quantitative)parameter (e.g., measured in act 72, transmitted in act 73, or both) hasgone outside of the second range. In particular embodiments, the thirdrange has a first end and a second end and the first end is an alarmvalue (e.g., a first alarm value) of the parameter. Still further, incertain embodiments, the second end is a second alarm value (e.g., ahigh high alarm value or a low low alarm value, for instance, input inact 71), for instance, of the parameter. Gauge 603 illustrates anexample.

Even further, some embodiments include (e.g., using the computer), forexample, for a plurality of the multiple graphical representations ofthe gauges (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1-6), displaying (e.g., in act 77) tothe operator (e.g., of the industrial system) a second local visualindicator when the (e.g., real-time) value of the (e.g., quantitative)parameter has gone outside of the second range. In particularembodiments, for example, the displaying to the operator of theindustrial system the second local visual indicator includes changing acolor (e.g., proximate to the scale), for instance, changing the colorof the scale (e.g., 17 or 37). In various embodiments, the visualelement (e.g., 18, 19, 38, or 48) continues to be displayed when theparameter value has gone outside of the second range. In someembodiments, however, the visual element changes appearance when theparameter value has gone outside of the second range, for example, incolor, size or thickness. In some embodiments, the same can be true ofother ranges described herein (e.g., the third range or the fourthrange).

In some embodiments, the shape of (e.g., all or part of) the localvisual indicator or visual element changes when the displayed rangechanges, for example. In the embodiment shown, for instance, in FIGS. 1and 2, elongated sections 25 and 29 in FIG. 2 become shorter in visualelement 19 shown in FIG. 1 than visual element 18. In this particularembodiment, the shape of the visual element changes to indicate to theoperator that the cap represents the upper limit of the gauge or sensor(e.g., rather than indicating an operating limit or alarm value forsituational awareness). The top and bottom rows in FIG. 6 are similar.In different embodiments, the shape of the visual element changesbetween the first range and the second range, between the second rangeand the third range, between the third range and the fourth range, or acombination thereof, as examples. The same may be true (e.g., inaddition or instead) between other ranges in embodiments that have other(e.g., more than four) ranges. Change in length (e.g., shortening) ofelongated sections (e.g., 25, 29, or both) of end caps (e.g., shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 6) is an example of a change in shape, but otherembodiments may have other changes.

Some embodiments include, (e.g., using the computer), for example, for aplurality of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges (e.g.,shown in FIGS. 1-6), changing (e.g., in act 76 shown in FIG. 7) thedisplayed range (e.g., shown in FIG. 6) of the (e.g., quantitative)parameter to a fourth range, for instance, that goes beyond the secondrange, for example, when the parameter value (e.g., measured in act 72)is outside of the second range. In particular embodiments, for example,the act (e.g., 76) of changing the displayed range of the (e.g.,quantitative) parameter to the fourth range includes changing thedisplayed range of the parameter from the third range to the fourthrange, for instance, when the value of the parameter has gone outside ofthe third range. In a number of such embodiments, for example, thefourth range goes beyond the third range. Gauge 604 in FIG. 6illustrates an example.

Further, in various embodiments, the fourth range has a first end and asecond end. In some such embodiments, for example, the first end of thefourth range is a high high alarm value or a low low alarm value of theparameter. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second end of the fourthrange is a limit of the instrument range for the parameter (e.g.,measured in act 72). Gauge 604 illustrates an example. In this context,the instrument range is the range of the particular sensor, transducer,or instrument that is used to measure the particular parameter. In someembodiments, for example, the instrument range is input in act 71 ofmethod 70. Certain embodiments include (e.g., using the computer), forinstance, for a plurality of the multiple graphical representations ofthe gauges, displaying (e.g., in act 77) to the operator of theindustrial system a third local visual indicator when the real-timevalue of the (e.g., quantitative) parameter has gone outside of thethird range. In particular, in some embodiments, the displaying to theoperator of the industrial system the third local visual indicatorincludes changing a color (e.g., proximate to the scale), for example,changing the color of the scale (e.g., 17).

As described, certain embodiments include four ranges, for example, thefirst range (e.g., gauge 601), the second range (e.g., gauge 602), thethird range (e.g., gauge 603), and the fourth range (e.g., gauge 604),as described herein. Other embodiments, however, can have a differentnumber of ranges, for example, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, or 20ranges, as examples. Various embodiments include more than one range,more than two ranges, more than three ranges, more than four ranges, ormore than five ranges, as examples. In certain embodiments having fiveranges, for example, the second end is a second alarm value (e.g., ahigh high high alarm value or a low low low alarm value), for instance,of the parameter. Further, in some embodiments having two ranges, forexample, the second range has a first end and a second end and thesecond end is a limit of instrument range for the (e.g., quantitative)parameter.

In some embodiments, the color (e.g., of the graphical representation,scale (e.g., 17), or proximate the scale), is gray when the parameter iswithin operating limits (e.g., input in act 71). In some embodiments,the color changes (e.g., in act 77) to white when the parameter movesoutside of the operating limits but remains within the alarm limits (insome embodiments, the second range). Further, in some embodiments, thecolor changes to yellow when the parameter reaches the high alarm or lowalarm (e.g., input in act 71) but remains between the high high alarmand the low low alarm settings (in some embodiments, the third range).Still further, in some embodiments, the color (e.g., of scale 17)changes to purple when the parameter reaches the high alarm or low alarmbut remains between the high high alarm and the low low alarm setting(in some embodiments, the third range). Even further, in someembodiments, the color changes (e.g., in act 77) to yellow when theparameter (e.g., measured in act 72) reaches the high alarm and thecolor changes to purple when the parameter reaches the low alarm, butremains between the high high alarm and the low low alarm settings (insome embodiments, the third range). In such embodiments, the colorindicates whether the parameter value (e.g., transmitted in act 73) isabove or below the operating limits. Further still, in some embodiments,the color changes to red when the parameter reaches the high high alarmor low low alarm (in some embodiments, the fourth range, for example,input in act 71).

In a number of embodiments, the displaying to the operator of theindustrial system the first local visual indicator (e.g., in act 77)includes changing the color (e.g., proximate to or of the scale, forinstance, 17) from gray. Further, in various embodiments, the displayingto the operator of the industrial system the first (e.g., local visual)indicator includes changing the color to white. Still further, in someembodiments, the displaying to the operator of the industrial system thesecond local visual indicator includes changing the color from white.Further still, in a number of embodiments, the displaying to theoperator of the industrial system the second local visual indicatorincludes changing the color (e.g., in act 77) to yellow. Even further,in some embodiments, the displaying to the operator of the industrialsystem the third local visual indicator includes changing the color fromyellow. Even further still, in various embodiments, the displaying tothe operator of the industrial system the third local visual indicatorincludes changing the color to red. In other embodiments, however, oneor more different colors can be used (e.g., purple instead of yellow).

Additionally, in a number of embodiments, the act (e.g., 75) ofpositioning the pointer (e.g., 16) relative to the scale (e.g., 17) toindicate the (e.g., real-time) value of the (e.g., quantitative)parameter (e.g., measured in act 72) includes moving the pointervertically, for example, relative to the scale. FIGS. 1 and 2 areexamples as are gauges 601-605 and 608-612 in FIG. 6. On the other hand,in some embodiments, the act of positioning (e.g., in act 75) thepointer relative to the scale to indicate the parameter value includesmoving the pointer horizontally, for instance, relative to the scale.FIGS. 3 and 4 and gauges 606, 607, 613, and 614 in FIG. 6 illustrateexamples. In many embodiments, the movement of the pointer (e.g., 16) ispure translation, for example, vertical or horizontal (e.g., as shown).In other embodiments, however, the pointer can rotate (e.g., exclusivelyor in combination with translation). In certain embodiments, forinstance, the graphical representation of the gauge or the scale can beround and the pointer can rotate without translating. In otherembodiments, the graphical representation of the gauge or the scale canbe curved and the pointer can rotate and translate, for example,remaining perpendicular to the curved scale. Further, in variousembodiments, the pointer points to the scale, is superimposed over thescale (e.g., as shown), or both.

In many embodiments, the displaying to the operator of the industrialsystem the multiple graphical representations of gauges representingmultiple different parameters of the industrial system (e.g., act 74 inFIG. 7) includes displaying the multiple graphical representations ofgauges on a computer screen. In some embodiments, multiple computerscreens are used. Further, in some embodiments, the multiple graphicalrepresentations of gauges are displayed over a schematic diagram of theindustrial system. Still further, in many embodiments, the gauges arelined up on the computer screen so that the operator can look down a rowof gauges to see the (e.g., real-time) values of the differentparameters quickly and efficiently, for example, relative to theoperating limits, alarm settings, or both. Graphical representations ofgauges are shown lined up in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, for example.

In many embodiments, the operator can input the operating limits, alarmsettings, or both (e.g., in act 71). Various embodiments include an actof (e.g., using the computer) prompting (e.g., in act 71) the operatorto input the operating limits (e.g., established for the parameters, forinstance, as actual values). Further, some embodiments include an act of(e.g., using the computer) inputting (e.g., in act 71) from the operatorthe operating limits. Similarly, some embodiments include an act of(e.g., using the computer), prompting (e.g., in act 71) the operator toinput the alarm value of the (e.g., quantitative) parameter. Stillfurther, some embodiments include an act of (e.g., using the computer),inputting (e.g., in act 71) from the operator the alarm value of theparameter. In some embodiments, first and second alarm values can beinput (e.g., in act 71). Moreover, in a number of embodiments, operatinglimits, alarm values, or both, may be input (e.g., in act 71) once andthen only adjusted occasionally (e.g., in act 71), for example, whenother operating limits, alarm values, or both are identified.

In many embodiments, the method (e.g., 70) includes an act of (e.g.,using the computer), prompting (e.g., the operator) to input theoperating limit established for the parameter (e.g., measured in act72). In some embodiments, for example, the method includes (e.g., usingthe computer) inputting (e.g., from the operator) an operating limit(e.g., established for the parameter), that is input (e.g., in act 71)as an actual value of the parameter. For instance, where the parameteris pressure, the operating limit may be input (e.g., in act 71) inpounds per square inch, pascals, or atmospheres, as examples, or wherethe parameter is temperature, the operating limit may be input indegrees (e.g., F, K, or C), for example. Further, some embodimentsinclude an act of (e.g., using the computer) prompting (e.g., theoperator) to select (e.g., in act 71) the operating limit establishedfor the parameter from multiple discrete alternatives. Even further,various embodiments include an act of (e.g., using the computer)inputting (e.g., from the operator) the operating limit established forthe parameter.

Moreover, certain embodiments include an act of (e.g., using thecomputer) prompting (e.g., the operator) to input the upper operatinglimit established for the parameter, an act of (e.g., using thecomputer) inputting (e.g., from the operator) the upper operating limitestablished for the parameter, or both (e.g., in act 71). Similarly,certain embodiments include an act of (e.g., using the computer)prompting (e.g., the operator) to input the lower operating limitestablished for the parameter, an act of (e.g., using the computer)inputting from the operator the lower operating limit established forthe parameter, or both (e.g., in act 71). Still further, particularembodiments, include an act of (e.g., using the computer) prompting(e.g., the operator) to input an operating limit percentage for theupper operating limit established for the parameter, an act of (e.g.,using the computer) calculating (e.g., in act 71) the upper operatinglimit established for the parameter, for example, using the operatinglimit percentage, or both. Similarly, certain embodiments include an actof (e.g., using the computer) prompting (e.g., the operator) to input anoperating limit percentage for the lower operating limit established forthe parameter, an act of (e.g., using the computer) calculating thelower operating limit established for the parameter, for instance, usingthe operating limit percentage, or both (e.g., in act 71). In someembodiments, the operator, for instance, can input one operating limitpercentage for both the upper and lower limits, as another example.Further, in some embodiments, the operator, for instance, can adjust theoperating limit or limits of multiple or all of the values at once, forexample, by adjusting the operating limit percentage (e.g., in act 71).Moreover, in some embodiments, the operator, for instance, can set(e.g., in act 71) some, multiple, or all current (e.g., real-time)values or parameter values at the center of the operating limits, forexample, when the plant or industrial process is operating well, thusdefining the normal operating values from which the operating limits arecalculated (e.g., using the operating limit percentage).

Even further, various embodiments include (e.g., simultaneously)measuring (e.g., in act 72 of method 70) the multiple differentparameters of the industrial system, transmitting (e.g., in act 73) themultiple different parameters of the (e.g., industrial) system (e.g., tothe computer), for instance, for displaying (e.g., in act 74) to theoperator of the system the multiple graphical representations of thegauges representing the multiple different parameters of the industrialsystem, or a combination thereof. For example, the multiple differentparameters of the industrial system may be measured (e.g., in act 72)using various sensors, transducers, or the like, for example, that areknown in the art. Further, transmitting (e.g., in act 73) the multipledifferent parameters of the industrial system (e.g., to the computer)for displaying to the operator of the system may be accomplished withhard wiring, through wireless communication, or both. In someembodiments, different sensors, transducers, etc., may include dedicatedwiring, while in other embodiments, multiplexing may be used. In someembodiments, a computer network may be used.

Moreover, a number of embodiments include an act (e.g., 78 shown in FIG.7) of correcting the (e.g., industrial) system, for example, correctingabnormal or potentially-abnormal behavior of the industrial system. Insome embodiments, for example, an act of correcting potentially-abnormalbehavior of the industrial system includes (e.g., in act 78) adjustingat least one flow rate in the industrial system, adjusting at least onelevel (e.g., a liquid level in a tank) in the industrial system,adjusting at least one pressure in the industrial system, adjusting acontrol scheme in the industrial system, or a combination thereof, asexamples. Further, in various embodiments, the multiple differentparameters (e.g., measured in act 72, transmitted in act 73, or both)comprise at least ten, at least twenty, at least thirty, at least forty,or at least fifty different parameters, as examples. In someembodiments, an act (e.g., in act 78) of correcting thepotentially-abnormal behavior of the industrial system may be done usingthe computer, but in other embodiments, certain corrective action may beperformed by the operator, for example, without using the computerspecifically to implement the corrective action. In differentembodiments, or for different corrective actions, corrective actions canbe computer implemented or otherwise.

Other embodiments include an apparatus or various methods of obtainingor providing an apparatus or information, for instance, that include anovel combination of the features described herein. Even furtherembodiments include at least one means for accomplishing at least onefunctional aspect described herein. The subject matter described hereinincludes various means for accomplishing the various functions or actsdescribed herein or that are apparent from the structure and actsdescribed. Each function described herein is also contemplated as ameans for accomplishing that function, or where appropriate, as a stepfor accomplishing that function. Moreover, various embodiments includecertain (e.g., combinations of) aspects described herein. All novelcombinations are potential embodiments. Some embodiments may include asubset of elements described herein and various embodiments includeadditional elements as well.

Further, various embodiments of the subject matter described hereininclude various combinations of the acts, structure, components, andfeatures described herein, shown in the drawings, described in anydocuments that are incorporated by reference herein, or that are knownin the art. Moreover, certain procedures can include acts such asmanufacturing, obtaining, or providing components that perform functionsdescribed herein or in the documents that are incorporated by reference.Further, as used herein, the word “or”, except where indicatedotherwise, does not imply that the alternatives listed are mutuallyexclusive. Even further, where alternatives are listed herein, it shouldbe understood that in some embodiments, fewer alternatives may beavailable, or in particular embodiments, just one alternative may beavailable, as examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method of communicatingpotentially abnormal behavior of an industrial system to an operator ofthe industrial system, the method comprising acts of: using a computer,simultaneously displaying to the operator of the industrial systemmultiple graphical representations of gauges representing multipledifferent parameters of the industrial system, wherein: each of themultiple different parameters is a quantitative parameter; each of themultiple graphical representations of the gauges represents a parametervalue; each of the multiple graphical representations of the gaugescomprises a scale representing a displayed range of the quantitativeparameter; and each of the multiple graphical representations of thegauges comprises a pointer proximate the scale; using the computer, foreach of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges,positioning the pointer relative to the scale to indicate the parametervalue, wherein: for each of the multiple graphical representations ofthe gauges, when the parameter value is within operating limits of thequantitative parameter, the displayed range of the quantitativeparameter is a first range that corresponds to the operating limits; andusing the computer, for each of the multiple graphical representationsof the gauges, changing the displayed range of the quantitativeparameter from the first range to a second range that goes beyond theoperating limits when the parameter value has gone outside of theoperating limits; and using the computer, for each of the multiplegraphical representations of the gauges, displaying to the operator ofthe industrial system a first local visual indicator when the parametervalue has gone outside of the operating limits.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the displaying to the operator of the industrial system thefirst local visual indicator comprises changing a color of the scale. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein the displaying to the operator of theindustrial system the first local visual indicator comprises adding avisual element to the scale.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein: thevisual element is an outline of the scale; the outline forms a borderaround one end of the scale.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein: thevisual element is located at a first end of the scale when the parametervalue exceeds the operating limits; and the visual element is located ata second end of the scale when the parameter value is below theoperating limits.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein: the second range hasa first end and a second end; the first end is one of the operatinglimits; and the second end is an alarm value of the quantitativeparameter.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising, using thecomputer, for a plurality of the multiple graphical representations ofthe gauges, changing the displayed range of the quantitative parameterfrom the second range to a third range that goes beyond the second rangewhen the parameter value has gone outside of the second range.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 wherein: the third range has a first end and a secondend; the first end is an alarm value of the quantitative parameter; andthe second end is a high high alarm value or a low low alarm value ofthe quantitative parameter.
 9. The method of claim 7 further comprising,using the computer, for a plurality of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges, displaying to the operator of theindustrial system a second local visual indicator when the parametervalue has gone outside of the second range.
 10. The method of claim 9wherein the displaying to the operator of the industrial system thesecond local visual indicator comprises changing a color of the scale.11. The method of claim 7 further comprising, using the computer, for aplurality of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges,changing the displayed range of the quantitative parameter to a fourthrange that goes beyond the third range when the parameter value isoutside of the third range wherein the fourth range goes beyond thethird range.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the fourth range has afirst end and a second end and the first end is a high high alarm valueor a low low alarm value of the quantitative parameter.
 13. The methodof claim 11 wherein the fourth range has a first end and a second endand the second end is a limit of instrument range for the quantitativeparameter.
 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising, using thecomputer, for a plurality of the multiple graphical representations ofthe gauges, displaying to the operator of the industrial system a thirdlocal visual indicator when the parameter value has gone outside of thethird range.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein: the displaying to theoperator of the industrial system the multiple graphical representationsof gauges representing multiple different parameters of the industrialsystem comprises displaying the multiple graphical representations ofgauges on a computer screen; and the multiple graphical representationsof gauges are displayed over a schematic diagram of the industrialsystem.
 16. The method of claim 1 further comprising acts of:simultaneously measuring the multiple different parameters of theindustrial system; transmitting the multiple different parameters of theindustrial system to the computer for displaying to the operator of thesystem the multiple graphical representations of the gauges representingthe multiple different parameters of the industrial system; andcorrecting the potentially abnormal behavior of the industrial system.17. A computer system comprising computer-readable instructions which,when executed by the computer system, cause the computer system to:simultaneously display to an operator of an industrial system multiplegraphical representations of gauges representing multiple differentparameters of the industrial system, wherein: each of the multiplegraphical representations of the gauges represents a parameter value;each of the multiple graphical representations of the gauges comprises ascale representing a displayed range of the parameter; and each of themultiple graphical representations of the gauges comprises a pointerproximate the scale; for each of the multiple graphical representationsof the gauges, position the pointer relative to the scale to indicatethe parameter value, wherein: for each of the multiple graphicalrepresentations of the gauges, when the parameter value is withinoperating limits, the displayed range of the parameter is a first rangethat corresponds to the operating limits; and for each of the multiplegraphical representations of the gauges, change the displayed range ofthe parameter from the first range to a second range that goes beyondthe operating limits when the parameter value has gone outside of theoperating limits; and for each of the multiple graphical representationsof the gauges, display to the operator of the industrial system a firstlocal visual indicator when the parameter value has gone outside of theoperating limits.
 18. A computerized method of communicating potentiallyabnormal behavior of an industrial system to an operator of theindustrial system, the method comprising acts of: using a computer,simultaneously displaying to the operator of the industrial systemmultiple graphical representations representing multiple differentparameters of the industrial system, wherein: each of the multipledifferent parameters is a quantitative parameter; each of the multiplegraphical representations represents a parameter value; each of themultiple graphical representations comprises a range representation of adisplayed range of the quantitative parameter; and each of the multiplegraphical representations comprises a pointer representation proximatethe range representation; using the computer, for each of the multiplegraphical representations, positioning the pointer representationrelative to the range representation to indicate the parameter value,wherein: for each of the multiple graphical representations, when theparameter value is within operating limits, the displayed range of thequantitative parameter is a first range that corresponds to theoperating limits; and using the computer, for each of the multiplegraphical representations, changing the displayed range of thequantitative parameter from the first range to a second range that goesbeyond the operating limits when the parameter value has gone outside ofthe operating limits; and using the computer, for each of the multiplegraphical representations, displaying to the operator of the industrialsystem a first local visual indicator when the parameter value has goneoutside of the operating limits.